What Jesus Said of the Pharisees

Have you experienced the pointed finger? Do you often feel that  someone is always judging you--that you'll never get it right or be good enough? These are not good feelings. I know and Jesus knows. A group of people constantly badgered Jesus. They judged Him for healing on the Sabbath, for not fasting or washing His hands the way they did. They didn't like Him teaching in the temple or claiming to be God. These people were called Pharisees. They knew the letter of the law, but the law was written to teach people how to love their neighbors. 

The Pharisees had no mercy or love in their hearts. They were proud of themselves for keeping the commandments. It was okay for them to feed their animals on the Sabbath, but they hated Jesus for making people well on the Sabbath. Jesus called them hypocrites. Blinded by pride and arrogance, they missed their Savior. 

Jesus said to His disciples, "Don't do what they do, because they  don't practice what they teach. They tie up heavy loads that are hard to carry and put them on people's shoulders, but they themselves aren't willing to lift a finger to move them. They do everything to be observed by others" Matthew 23:3-5.

Next week we will read some woes Jesus spoke directly to the Pharisees, and I hope you'll join us.


Think About It
The next time you feel a finger pointing in your direction, remember Jesus faced the same thing. He overcame the sin of the Pharisees and because He did, we can too. Tell Jesus how much it hurts. When you say His name, you will know His presence and comfort. 


Pray About It
Lord Jesus, it hurts when I cannot live up to the standards others expect of me. I am glad you know the pain of the pointed finger. Help me to trust You and find my value in You instead of trying to please people. Amen.

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